Who's it for?

VaCO is designed to benefit talented young music students at school, university, or music college.  There is a lower age limit of 16 and we expect all participants to be ABRSM Grade 8+ as a minimum standard.  If you want to prepare for the years ahead then VaCO can help.  Most participants are university / conservatoire  students though some are advanced Yr 12/13 students aiming for a career in music.  In fact, the majority of people who come on a course for the first time enjoy it so much that they come back two or three times.

Our aim is to complement, not compete with, music college and university orchestras and national youth orchestras.  Because each course is a chamber orchestra, players take greater responsibility than they would in a larger symphony orchestra, and get more of the tutors' time.  It's also a good opportunity to learn repertoire that's not usually on the menu for larger orchestras - something that will stand you in good stead for the future.

The small number of participants on each course also allows us to tailor opportunities to the individual, making sure that advanced students get opportunities, responsibilities and experiences suitable to their level, whilst less confident students get the support and mentoring they need.

Particularly promising VaCO members and Alumni  may be offered paid performance opportunities (solo, chamber, and orchestral) with promoters associated with VaCO.  For more information see Beyond VaCO

Forthcoming Courses

VaCO Easter Course 2012 7-14 April 2012 Yorkshire Dales & North York Moors - The Jonas Centre, Redmire

VaCO Summer 1 Course 21-28 July 2012 Yorkshire Dales & North York Moors - The Jonas Centre, Redmire

VaCO Summer 2 Course 24 August - 1 September 2012 The Cotswolds

VaCO Christmas Course 27-30 December 2012 Yorkshire Dales

Forthcoming Concerts

Aldborough Church Tuesday 10 April

Stokesley Parish Church Thursday 12 April

Kirkby Lonsdale Church Wednesday 11 April

St Cuthbert's Church, Pateley Bridge Friday 13 April

St Andrew's Church, Aysgarth Saturday 14 April